Stackable weights for lighter-than-air balloons

ABSTRACT

An adjustable weight for tethering lighter-than-air balloons that may include a plurality of individual weights secured together by a friction fit. The weights each have a top wall and a side wall extending from a periphery of the top wall. The side wall includes a top tier adjacent to the top wall and a base tier extending from the top tier. The base tier is larger in size than the top tier to facilitate nesting of adjacent weights, and a step is formed at the intersection of the top tier and the base tier. An attachment member extends from the weight and provides a tethering point for lighter-than-air balloons.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally resides in the art of lighter-than-airballoons and accessories. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to an adjustable weight for lighter-than-air balloons.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Lighter-than-air balloons may be displayed singly or in groups both fordecorative purposes as well as to celebrate various events, functions,etc. For example, one or more balloons are frequently used ascenterpieces at various functions, and may include bright colors orinscribed images or messages reflecting the nature of the event orfunction. Both mylar and latex balloons are frequently filled withhelium to render them lighter-than-air. Helium, which is alighter-than-air gas, causes an upward lift to act on the balloon.Therefore, balloons filled with helium frequently need to be tied bymeans of a string or otherwise secured to an object to prevent them fromfloating away.

In the past, lighter-than-air balloons have been tethered down by tyinga string to each balloon at an upper end and to an object that rests ona surface, or the surface itself, at a lower end. Where suitable objectsfor tethering the balloons are not provided on the surface, weights maybe provided to tether the balloons and prevent them from floating away.However, because balloons come in different sizes and, therefore, havedifferent volumes, they receive smaller or larger amounts of helium,resulting in different levels of lift. Thus, a single weight may not besuitable for anchoring a plurality of different sized balloons. If theweight does not have sufficient mass it will not perform the intendedtethering of the balloon(s), and if the weight has excess mass its costmight be unnecessarily high. This problem is exacerbated by the bundlingof multiple balloons together. In such an instance, a weight ofsignificant greater mass will be needed or individual weights must stillbe provided for each individual balloon.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,666,405 discloses adjustable weights for weighing downdifferently sized lighter-than-air balloons. The adjustable weightincludes at least two individual weights with a first means on eachweight for selectively attaching two or more weights to each other and asecond means for tethering the lighter-than-air balloon or balloons tothe composite weight. While this provides adjustability in the mass ofthe composite weight, the designs disclosed are complicated anddifficult to manufacture.

Notably, lighter-than-air balloon weights are often purchased in largequantities to accommodate events or functions where a significant numberof lighter-than-air balloons are displayed. In such cases, the cost ofeach individual weight is an important consideration. The individualweights that are joined to form the adjustable weights disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 6,666,405 require manufacturing and production methods that aretimely and costly, thereby increasing the market cost of the device. Inaddition, the complicated adjustable weights of the prior art areunnecessarily difficult to assemble, making set-up of displays of thelighter-than-air balloons more time consuming.

Thus, there is a need for an adjustable weight for lighter-than-airballoons that has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture andemploy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one or more embodiments, the present invention provides a weight fortethering lighter-than-air balloons including a top wall and a side wallextending from a periphery of the top wall and defining an inner volume.The side wall has a top tier adjacent to the top wall and a base tierextending from the top tier opposite the top wall to define an open end.An attachment member is provided and is adapted to provide a tetheringpoint for a lighter-than-air balloon.

In one or more embodiments, the present invention provides an adjustableweight for tethering lighter-than-air balloons including a first weightand a second weight. Each of the weights includes a top wall and a sidewall extending from a periphery of the top wall and defining an innervolume. The side wall havs a top tier adjacent to the top wall and abase tier extending from the top tier opposite the top wall, the basetier being larger than the top tier. The base tier of the first weightreceives the top tier of the second weight therein. The first and secondweights are secured together by friction forces, and may be devoid ofribs and recesses for securing the adjacent weights together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a balloon weight according to theconcepts of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the balloon weight of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of two nested balloon weights according tothe concepts of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the nested balloon weights taken generallyalong line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view of the nested balloonweights as indicated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a balloon weightaccording to the concepts of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the balloon weight of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of two balloon weights as shown in FIG. 6nested with one another according to the concepts of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the nested balloon weights taken generallyalong line 9-9 of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIGS. 1-5, an adjustable weight is shown and indicatedgenerally by the numeral 10. The adjustable weight 10 includes one ormore individual weights 12 nested together. The adjustable weight isadapted to be used with lighter-than-air balloons which, when filledwith helium or other lighter-than-air gas, create a predetermined lift.The number of individual weights nested together to form the adjustableweight 10 in a particular instance will depend upon the size and lift ofthe lighter-than-air balloon or balloons to be secured thereto. Theembodiment of the invention depicted in FIGS. 1-5 shows two individualweights 12 and 14 nested together to form the adjustable weight 10, butit is contemplated that more or less individual weights may be useddepending upon the size and lift of the balloon. For example, in thecase of a small lighter-than-air balloon that provides little lift, asingle individual weight 12 may be employed. In the case of a largerlighter-than-air balloon that provides significant lift, a plurality ofindividual weights 12 may be nested together to form an adjustableweight 10 capable of preventing the lighter-than-air balloon fromfloating away.

Individual weights 12 (also referred to herein as weights 12) areidentical and therefore a description of only one of the individualweights will be provided below. It will be appreciated by those skilledin the art that the below description of a single individual weight 12applies to each of the individual weights that are nested together. Theweight 12 is generally cup-shaped, or cupular, and includes a top wall16 and a side wall 18 projecting from a periphery of the top wall 16.When in use, the individual weight 12 will resemble an inverted cup withthe top wall 16 being positioned above and supported by the side wall18. As shown in FIG. 1, the weight 12 may be generally star-shaped whenviewed from the top, having five points spaced about a center point.However, it should be appreciated that the profile shape of the weight12, as viewed in FIG. 1, may be any decorative or festive shape asdesired. For example, the weight 12 may, when viewed from above, have aprofile shape of a circle, square, rectangle, heart, or any otherdesired shape or configuration including more complicated shapesmimicking animals or other items and objects. A rib 19, perhaps bestappreciated from FIGS. 3 and 4, may be provided around a periphery ofthe top wall 16. The rib 19 projects upwardly from top wall 16 and actsto strengthen and improve the structural integrity of the weight 12, aswill be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Although this invention is not to be limited by specific dimensions, theside wall 18 may, in some embodiments, have a thickness of betweenapproximately 0.02 and 0.08 inches. In a particular embodiment, sidewall 18 has a thickness of approximately 0.05 inches. Regardless of theprofile shape of the weight 12, the side wall 18 of weight 12 includes atop tier 22 extending from the top wall 16 and a base tier 24 extendsfrom the top tier 22. A step 26 defines the transition from the top tier22 to the base tier 24, with the base tier 24 being positioned laterallyoutward of the top tier 22. Thus, the base tier 24 establishes aperimeter that is larger in size than the perimeter of the top tier 22to facilitate the nesting of individual weights 12 together to form theadjustable weight 10. The top tier 22 and the base tier 24 are sized tocreate a friction fit between the nested weights 12 when assembled. Thetop tier 22 nests into the base tier 24 by being inserted therein. Thefriction created between adjacent weights adequately secures themtogether to form weight 10 while also allowing for easy removal of oneor more weights as needed. Notably, no complicated or expensivemechanisms are needed to secure adjacent weights 12 together.

The top wall 16 and the side wall 18 define an inner volume 20 that isopen to the atmosphere and adapted to receive another individual weight12 therein. In certain embodiments, the base tier 24 of the side wall 18may be angled slightly from parallel relative to the top tier 22 so thatthe base tier 24 projects outwardly. In certain embodiments, the basetier 24 may be angled between approximately 0 and 5° relative to the toptier 22. In a particular embodiment, the base tier 24 may be angledapproximately 1.0° relative to the top tier 22. The angle of base tier24 facilitates the insertion of the top tier 22 of an adjacent weight 12into the inner volume 20. In other embodiments, the base tier 24 and thetop tier 22 may be oriented generally parallel to one another.

Top tier 22 includes an inner surface 27 adjacent to the inner volume20, and an outer surface 28 on an exterior of the sidewall 18. Likewise,base tier 24 includes an inner surface 30 adjacent to the inner volume20, and an outer surface 32 on an exterior of the sidewall 18. Eachpoint on the outer surface 28 of the top tier 22 has a radius, ordistance from the center, approximately equal to but slightly largerthan the radius at a corresponding point on the inner surface 30 of thebase tier 24. In this way contact and pressure is generated between thetwo surfaces when the weights 12 are nested together, and this createsthe desired friction fit. In certain embodiments, between approximately0.001 and 0.009 inches of interference is provided between the outersurface 28 of the top tier 22 and the inner surface 30 of the base tier24. In a particular embodiment, approximately 0.005 inches ofinterference is provided between the two surfaces. As will beappreciated by those skilled in the art, base tier 24 may deformslightly by virtue of its material characteristics to accommodateinsertion of the slightly larger top tier 22.

Sufficient contact is provided between the outer surface 28 of the toptier 22 and the inner surface 30 of the base tier 24 to create enoughfriction to adequately secure two adjacent weights 12 together. Incertain embodiments, the magnitude of contact or engagement between theouter surface 28 of the top tier 22 and the inner surface 30 of the basetier 24 may include substantially the entire height of the inner surface30 and the outer surface 28. In other embodiments, the magnitude ofcontact between the two surfaces may include only a portion of theheight of the inner surface 30 and the outer surface 28. In a particularembodiment, the magnitude of contact between the two surfaces may bebetween approximately 0.12 and 0.2 inches. In a specific embodiment, themagnitude of contact between the two surfaces may be approximately 0.16inches.

In one or more embodiments, the individual weights 12 may be devoid ofany ribs and and/or recesses designed to join two stacked individualweights together. For example, prior art stackable weights often includean outwardly or inwardly projecting rib and an outwardly or inwardlyextending recess on each individual weight, with the ribs adapted toengage the recesses of adjacent individual weights when stacked. Theseribs and recesses are necessary in prior art designs to adequatelysecure the adjacent individual weights together. However, the ribs andrecesses add complexity to the design, difficulty to the manufacturingprocesses, and cost to the weight. The friction fit of the presentinvention, as described above, is sufficient to secure two adjacentindividual weights 12 together without resort to such interlockingmechanisms. In certain embodiments, the ribs 33 and recesses 34 may beprovided as a secondary attachment mechanism in addition to the frictionfit attachment of the nested weights.

In certain embodiments, the individual weight 12 may be made of aplastic material having properties that allow the individual weight 12to flex slightly upon nesting of another weight therein. Morespecifically, in a particular embodiment individual weight 12 may bemade of a crystal polystyrene.

In one or more embodiments, the material used to form the individualweight 12 may have a tensile strength (yield, at 73° F.), according totest methods consistent with ASTM D638, of greater than 4500 psi, inother embodiments greater than 5000 psi, in other embodiments greaterthan 5500 psi, in still other embodiments greater than 6000 psi, and inyet other embodiments greater than 6250 psi. In the same or otherembodiments, the material used to form the individual weight 12 may havea tensile strength (yield, at 73° F.), according to test methodsconsistent with ASTM D638, of less than 8500 psi, in other embodimentsless than 8000 psi, in other embodiments less than 7500 psi, in stillother embodiments less than 7000 psi, and in yet other embodiments lessthan 6500 psi.

In one or more embodiments, the material used to form the individualweight 12 may have a flexural modulus (73° F.), according to testmethods consistent with ASTM D790, of greater than 300000 psi, in otherembodiments greater than 350000 psi, in other embodiments greater than400000 psi, in still other embodiments greater than 425000 psi, and inyet other embodiments greater than 450000 psi. In the same or otherembodiments, the material used to form the individual weight 12 may havea flexural modulus (73° F.), according to test methods consistent withASTM D790, of less than 650000 psi, in other embodiments less than600000 psi, in other embodiments less than 550000 psi, in still otherembodiments less than 500000 psi, and in yet other embodiments less than475000 psi.

In one or more embodiments, the material used to form the individualweight 12 may have a flexural strength (73° F.), according to testmethods consistent with ASTM D790, of greater than 9000 psi, in otherembodiments greater than 9500 psi, in other embodiments greater than10000 psi, in still other embodiments greater than 10500 psi, and in yetother embodiments greater than 11000 psi. In the same or otherembodiments, the material used to form the individual weight 12 may havea flexural strength (73° F.), according to test methods consistent withASTM D790, of less than 15000 psi, in other embodiments less than 14500psi, in other embodiments less than 14000 psi, in still otherembodiments less than 13500 psi, and in yet other embodiments less than13000 psi.

One or more pull tabs 36 may be provided on an exterior of the side wall18 to facilitate disassembly of the adjustable weight 10. In theembodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, a pull tab is provided between adjacentpoints of the star. Pull tabs 36 are generally planar, and may begenerally parallel to the top wall 16. It is contemplated that the pulltabs 36 may be provided in any number and any desired arrangementdepending upon the shape of the individual weight 12 and the forcerequired to overcome the friction fit between adjacent weights 12 of theadjustable weight 10. In certain embodiments, the pull tabs 36 may beformed integrally with the side wall 18.

An opening or hole 40 is provided in the top wall 16 of individualweight 12. While the opening 40 may be provided in any desired shape orarrangement, FIGS. 1-5 depict an opening 40 that is generallyrectangular in shape. An attachment member 42 extends from the top wall16 adjacent to the opening 40. In the particular embodiment shown, theattachment member 42 is arcuate in shape and extends from one edge ofthe opening 40 to an opposite edge. As can be best seen in FIG. 2,attachment member 42 and opening 40 form an angled inner profile thatprogressively decreases in size at it extends from the top wall 16. Thisangled inner profile facilitates nesting or stacking of multipleindividual weights 12 by accommodating the attachment member 42 of anadjacent weight 12. When multiple weights 12 are nested, as seen inFIGS. 3-5, an upper portion of attachment member 42 of the bottom weight12 extends through opening 40 in the top weight 12 and generallyconforms to the inner surface of the attachment member 42 of the topweight. The attachment member 42 may also be tapered in the widthdirection, becoming progressively smaller as it extends away from thetop wall 16. This taper also facilitates stacking of the individualweights 12. The attachment member 42 creates an attachment point for astring or other connecting device secured at an opposite end to alighter-than-air balloon. In certain embodiments, the attachment member42 may be formed integrally with the top wall 16.

In certain embodiments, the top surface 16 of weight 12 may be providedwith a plurality of regions having varying radiuses to form an irregularouter surface. The irregular outer surface, when formed of crystalpolystyrene, may create light reflection and refraction patterns thatadd to the aesthetic appeal of the weights 12. In the embodiment of theinvention shown in FIG. 1, a center region C is provided on each pointof the star shaped weight 12 that has a first radius of betweenapproximately 0.5 and 1.5 inches. The center region C provides an apex(in this embodiment at the centerline of each arm of the star) and isround convexly from that apex. A transition region T is provided on bothsides of the center region C and has a radius of between approximately1.0 and 3.0 inches. The transition region T continues the convexrounding of center region C. An intermediary region I is providedbetween transition regions T and has a radius of between approximately6.0 and 12.0 inches. The intermediary region I provides a valley (inthis embodiment, at the centerline joining each arm of the star) and isrounded concavely from that valley. The varying radius of the topsurface 16 is minor, and may not immediately be detectable by the nakedeye, yet nonetheless creates a noticeable visual effect when lightreflects off of the top surface 16. The effect helps to create a weight12, and an adjustable weight 10, that is not only functional, but alsodecorative and festive.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-9, an alternative embodiment of the adjustableweight is shown and is indicated generally by the numeral 110. Theadjustable weight 110 is substantially similar to adjustable weight 10,and like components are numbered accordingly. Only the differencesbetween weight 110 and weight 10 will be discussed below.

Individual weight 112 of weight 110 does not include an opening andattachment member as described with respect to individual weight 12 atopening 40 and attachment member 42. Instead, an attachment member 142is provided at the end of one point of the star shaped weight, and formsa part of the outer profile of weight 112. Attachment member 142 isgenerally circular in shape, and includes a top wall 150 and a side wall152 similar to the top wall 116 and the side wall 118 of weight 112. Theside wall 152 of attachment member 142 also includes a top tier 154 anda base tier 156 to facilitate nesting of the attachment members 142along with the weights 112. Thus, it is contemplated that the attachmentmember 142 may be provided as an outward projection from the side wall118 of weight 112, as shown in FIGS. 6-9, rather than an upwardlyextending projection 42 as shown in FIGS. 1-5.

Notably, each embodiment of the adjustable weight 10 and 110, and theindividual weights 12 and 112, is devoid of undercuts. Thus, the weights12 and 112 can be molded by a straight pull method. Use of a straightpull mold allows for inexpensive manufacturing of weights 12 and 112,and thereby results in a reduced market price as compared to alternativedesigns having complicated connecting mechanisms.

In light of the foregoing, it should be appreciated that the presentinvention significantly advances the art by providing an adjustableweight that is structurally and functionally improved in a number ofways. While particular embodiments of the invention have been disclosedin detail herein, it should be appreciated that the invention is notlimited thereto or thereby inasmuch as variations on the inventionherein will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in theart. The scope of the invention shall be appreciated from the claimsthat follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A balloon display comprising: a weight fortethering lighter-than-air balloons including: (a) a top wall, (b) aside wall extending from a periphery of the top wall and defining aninner volume, said side wall having a top tier adjacent to said top walland a base tier extending from said top tier opposite said top wall toprovide an open end, and (c) an attachment member providing a tetheringpoint for a lighter-than-air balloon; and a lighter-than-air balloontethered to said attachment member, wherein said base tier is largerthan said top tier and said top tier and base tier are structured suchthat a top tier of an identical weight nests in said bottom tier andengages it through a friction fit to create a composite weight uponinserting the top tier of an identical weight into said open end of saidbase tier.
 2. The balloon display of claim 1, wherein a step defines thetransition from said top tier to said base tier.
 3. The balloon displayof claim 2, wherein said sidewall, at said top tier, is angled toproject outwardly as it extends toward said open end; said sidewall, atsaid bottom tier, is angled to project outwardly toward said open end;and said sidewall, at said top tier, is angled outwardly to a greaterdegree than said sidewall, at said bottom tier, whereby a top tier of anidentical weight inserted into said open end of said base tier creates afriction fit.
 4. The balloon display of claim 3, wherein said sidewallat said base tier is angled approximately 1.0° relative to said sidewallat said top tier.
 5. The balloon display of claim 1, further comprisingan opening in said top wall, wherein said attachment member extends fromopposing edges of said opening.
 6. The balloon display of claim 5,wherein said attachment member is arcuate, and said attachment memberand said opening have a tapered inner profile that become progressivelysmaller they extend from said top wall.
 7. The balloon display of claim1, wherein said attachment member extends from said side wall.
 8. Theballoon display of claim 1, further comprising at least one pull tabextending from said side wall.
 9. The balloon display of claim 1,wherein said weight is formed of crystal polystyrene.
 10. The balloondisplay of claim 9, wherein said top wall includes a plurality ofregions on a top surface, said regions having varying radii to form anon-planar top surface creating a light-scattering effect.